Top 10 Must-Watch Music Business Documentaries
The music industry is one of the most dynamic and exciting industries to work in. It is an industry that is constantly evolving and changing, and one that requires a deep understanding of the business side of things, as well as a love and appreciation for music. One of the best ways to gain insight into the music industry is by watching music business documentaries. These documentaries provide a unique behind-the-scenes look at the industry and the people who make it tick. In this article, we will be sharing the top 10 must-watch music business documentaries.
1. Sound City
Sound City is a documentary directed by Dave Grohl that tells the story of Sound City Studios, a recording studio in California that was the birthplace of some of the most iconic albums in music history. The documentary features interviews with some of the biggest names in music, including Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, and Trent Reznor.
2. The Wrecking Crew
The Wrecking Crew is a documentary that tells the story of a group of session musicians in the 1960s who played on some of the biggest hits of the era. The documentary features interviews with some of the musicians themselves, as well as with artists like Brian Wilson and Cher.
3. 20 Feet from Stardom
20 Feet from Stardom is a documentary that shines a light on the backup singers who have helped to make some of the biggest hits in music history. The documentary features interviews with some of the most famous backup singers, as well as with artists like Bruce Springsteen and Mick Jagger.
4. Muscle Shoals
Muscle Shoals is a documentary that tells the story of FAME Studios, a recording studio in Alabama that was the birthplace of some of the most iconic songs in music history. The documentary features interviews with some of the biggest names in music, including Aretha Franklin and Mick Jagger.
5. The Defiant Ones
The Defiant Ones is a documentary that tells the story of the partnership between Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, two of the most influential figures in the music industry. The documentary features interviews with some of the biggest names in music, including Eminem and Bruce Springsteen.
6. What Happened, Miss Simone?
What Happened, Miss Simone? is a documentary that tells the story of the legendary singer Nina Simone. The documentary features rare footage and interviews with Simone’s daughter, Lisa, as well as with other musicians who worked with Simone.
7. Amy
Amy is a documentary that tells the story of the late singer Amy Winehouse. The documentary features interviews with Winehouse’s family and friends, as well as with musicians who worked with her.
8. The Beatles: Eight Days a Week
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week is a documentary that tells the story of the Beatles’ touring years. The documentary features rare footage and interviews with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
9. The Punk Singer
The Punk Singer is a documentary that tells the story of Kathleen Hanna, the lead singer of the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre. The documentary features interviews with Hanna and other musicians who worked with her.
10. Hired Gun
Hired Gun is a documentary that tells the story of the session musicians who play on some of the biggest hits in music history. The documentary features interviews with some of the most famous session musicians, as well as with artists like Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie.
Key Takeaways:
Watching music business documentaries is a great way to gain insight into the music industry. These documentaries provide a unique behind-the-scenes look at the industry and the people who make it tick. Some of the must-watch music business documentaries include Sound City, The Wrecking Crew, 20 Feet from Stardom, Muscle Shoals, The Defiant Ones, What Happened, Miss Simone?, Amy, The Beatles: Eight Days a Week, The Punk Singer, and Hired Gun.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the music industry or furthering your education in the field, consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the music industry and the skills you need to succeed in the field.
